India
"There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds. It was as if all my life I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor.”
Keith Bellows, Vice-President, National Geographic Society
CULTURAL QUIZ - (click for answers)
1.How many official languages are there in India?
2.The best way to describe Indian management style is:
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Authoritarian
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Egalitarian
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Paternalistic
3.Which of these cultural values is not common in India?
4.Silence during a meeting with Indians is a sign of agreement
5.Indians tend to be very proactive and will constantly initiate new ideas
10 tips for working effectively with Indians
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DO remember that doing business with Indians is about relationships, relationships, relationships
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DO understand that Indian communication style is implicit and subtle. Pay attention to what is being said and read between the lines – this means you have to be a good listener!
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DO remember that an Indian “yes” can mean: "Yes I heard you”, “yes I understand you”, or “yes I agree with you”
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DO appreciate that, during a discussion, things such as who is speaking, what the relationships are between the people present and what is the hierarchy, are essential to understand
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DO take note that Indian English in the business world is usually very good – listen carefully for unique Indian expressions and concentrate on the accents
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DO understand that there are huge cultural differences in age groups in India – those below 35 and those above 35. This is especially noticeable in the high-tech industries
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DO understand that understanding the hierarchy and identifying who are the key decision makers, is essential
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DON’T lose your temper. If you do you’ll lose face and prove you are unworthy of respect and trust
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DON’T expect Indians to make decisions during business meetings. You shouldn’t pressurize them into making decisions
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DON’T judge. Don’t comment on poverty, the caste system or politics in India
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DID YOU KNOW?
- The largest employer in the world is the Indian Railways, employing over 1.5 million workers
- The four religions born in India – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism – are followed by 25 percent of the world’s population
- India was one of the richest countries in the world until the time of British rule in the early 17th century.
- Christopher Columbus, attracted by India’s wealth, came looking for a sea route to India when he discovered America by mistake.
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Quiz answers:
1.b
2.c
3.b
4.b
5.b